Inspiration

For the rest of the blog we thought we’d switch it from the standard doomsday fare, instead we figured on a little inspiration.

Consider for one blog post, cornerback Donald Strickland. If a Hall of Fame for the Unassuming existed, Strickland would be a member. He neither dresses nor talks loudly, but pound-for-pound and synapse-for-synapse, he might be the toughest and smartest man in the 49ers’ locker room.

Twice, the 5-10, 187-pound cornerback started at linebacker this year against the pass-dominated Saints and Seahawks. He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado after attending academically rigorous Riordan High in San Francisco. He writes poetry and wrote a rap song when he played with the Colts that got some air time.

The native San Franciscan attended business classes through the NFL’s Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program at Harvard Business School in 2006 and then attended Stanford last season through the same program. He created an device to display memorabilia that he hopes to bring to market.

But Strickland would give it all back, the adulation, the four interceptions he returned for touchdowns at Colorado, the third-round bonus he received from Indy in 2003, even his first NFL interception against Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, if it meant jeopardizing his religious faith. Strickland didn’t always feel that way, but his life changed dramatically two years ago.

After imbibing, Strickland, who wasn’t adverse to a party, was driving home when he veered off the road and was nearly killed.

“It really opened my eyes. I shouldn’t be here,” Strickland said. “I was drinking and driving.”

Not long after that, Strickland received a call out of the blue from childhood friends Jini Hogg and Jelani Hogg. The Hoggs urged Strickland to take another look at his religious background. Strickland re-committed himself to his Christian faith and the next day, Oct. 25, 2005, the Colts cut him.

He leaned on his faith more than ever. He returned home, he re-did the hardwood floors in his parents’ Bayview home and worked out daily at either Candlestick Point or Ocean Beach. After a stint with the Eagles at the end of the 2005 season, Strickland signed with his hometown team on Halloween last year, and made the club this year in training camp.

He wants to carve out at least three more years in the NFL, and start a business, which he hopes will lead to his ultimate goal of beginning a foundation for youth. His desire is to engender self-esteem and a thirst for academics in those who are adrift – a noble quest for a quietly inspirational man.

PRACTICE NOTES: Cornerback Nate Clements has the drum sticks for his impromtu beating after his 62-yard interception return. The sticks may make an appearance in Cleveland. “I’m going to have them in my back pocket,” Clements said. … WR Arnaz Battle (ankle), RB Frank Gore (ankle), CB Marcus Hudson (knee), and RB Michael Robinson (shoulder) were limited in practice. Robinson said he expects to play.